If we take a look at our best single Olympics and best career Olympics its probably Dan Gable and John Smith. Why were they so successful, was it because they did a lot of freestyle before or during college, was it because they had a great RTC? No, it was because they just worked harder that everyone else, Russians included. Now John did have more access and experience with freestyle, the older brother thing etc. he spent a year on freestyle after So, won Worlds after Jr and Olympics after Sr years.
In watching the better Japanese what I noted is the were getting to the legs better than us more like Smith. That said though the sport has changed a lot, everyone has better technique and access to film on opponents etc. yet the Japanese had success.
Would it make a difference if we switch completely to freestyle? Maybe slightly for 6 to 10 guys. However, how would we deal with the mat, referee and review issues for high school and jr high? And I think it would also significantly reduce fan support at all levels. How exciting is it going to be to watch a Jr high or HS kid or even college kid win a match by 10 quick push outs or even a takedown and 4 quick turns inside 20 seconds. There is going to be a much larger difference in skill level will athletes stick with it when only getting 20 seconds of mat time, will they learn takedowns etc. if needing to spend so much time defending the push out. Gable and Smith were successful, there must be another alternative versus changing the sport for ten of thousands just to maybe benefit 6 guys.